Nathan Murphy

A railroader, the basis for Newton High School’s mascot, is a hard-working and resilient individual who built a national rail system. A threshing stone, the basis for Bethel College’s mascot, is an agricultural tool used to separate the wheat from the chaff. Both these mascots have deep ties to local history. 

My memories of Newton High School and Bethel College are based not in specific classroom lessons, but in relationships and experiences. I had opportunities to build meaningful connections with friends, teachers, professors, coaches, and the wider community. Growing up and learning in Newton and North Newton meant being part of a community small enough that familiar faces were everywhere, yet large enough to provide room to grow, explore, and find independence.

Athletics are also a source of memories and impact during my educational journey. Some of my most challenging and impactful experiences came through sports, where I learned discipline, resilience, and the value of being self-motivated. Just as importantly, sports taught me how to contribute to something bigger than myself and understand the dynamics of working as part of a team.

Newton High School and Bethel College, collectively, contributed to shaping me as a person. They helped me to form relationships, build resilience, connect with community, and distinguish myself as a unique product of local education.

I am proud to be both a Railer and a Thresher.